Month: February 2016

You’ve probably spent your whole life with bacteria — but mostly getting rid of it. Think washing your hands, sneezing into the crook of your elbow, going through eight million bottles of sanitizer every winter. So it seems pretty counterintuitive that smearing bacteria all over your face could actually help your skin. Sounds crazy (and kind of gross), right?

While there are parts of the body in which bacteria aren’t welcome, others, like your gut, make a good home for the little guys — which, in turn, help digest food and regulate your immune response.
Your skin, too, naturally plays host for a number of good bacteria. But external factors (like pollution) and harsh formulas in your skin care routine can kill off these good bacteria. That’s when you get into trouble…

If you have been my client for a while, you have heard me talking about probiotics at some point…… Probiotics are bacteria — but don’t worry, it’s not like you’re rubbing your face with the bottom of your shoe. Instead, most of the probiotic technology you’ll find in skincare is derived from bacteria cultures common in milk and yogurt. Bifida is the best known, but there are many different strains available. They’re alive during formulation and usually dunzo by the time you get them. But even dead, probiotics offer skin benefits. They keep the skin’s acid mantle intact, which helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss.
Trans-epidermal water loss can cause dehydration, sensitivity, dryness, and irritation.

The whole goal of probiotics is to calm skin. Different parts of the bacteria — the cell walls, their hydration — balance skin by strengthening the protective barrier, maintaining skin’s moisture levels, and boosting its immune defenses. Probiotics are gentle and effective multitaskers, making them the closest thing to a cure-all.

Probiotics benefit every single skin type (sounds too good to be true, I know). They modulate the immune response and they quickly quell inflammation and redness for those with sensitive skin and rosacea. Other studies show that strains of probiotics are effective acne-fighters — the big plus being that probiotics actually hydrate skin, while most acne solutions try to knock out breakouts by turning your face into the Sahara (looking at you, benzoyl peroxide). And, on top of this, they help skin seal in moisture, smoothing out any fine lines and wrinkles.

Certain ingredients found in beauty products sold over the counter can knock your skin off-balance — in either direction.
Sodium laurel sulfate, or SLS, completely strips skin of the natural oils and bacteria. On the other hand, mineral oils and some waxes can leave a greasy film on skin, clogging the pores and creating congestion and dullness, so bacteria can’t do its work.
Even going on topical antibiotics for acne — or oral antibiotics for an infection — can affect your skin flora. That’s why you need probiotics, which restore the good bacteria to skin.
Probiotics are becoming more and more popular item in my clients skin care routine.
My go to probiotic moisturizer is Epicuren`s. Have you tried it yet?

If you didn’t have time to make some skin resolutions for yourself for 2016, it is not too late to start now. It`s never too late to start!

Let`s create some goals for yourself that will help you achieve the skin you want. We achieve those goals one step at a time, and I am here to help you guide you through the process.

1. We need to get to know your skin!
Skin is constantly changing, and we need to be able to adjust to those changes. What may have been working for you last year may not be working for you now. We need to keep things fresh by tweaking your routine as needed. And let me help with that!

2. Invest in products!
I know buying products can seem like a drag but investing in it will pay off in a long run. You are with your skin for life. Buying the right products is the key and you should let a professional help you with that.

3. Hydrate your skin!
You might be drinking a lot of water but your skin is still feeling dry. Well..you are lacking hydration from the outside. Skin will feel hydrated when you drink enough water and you are using hyaluronic acid serum. It is very important to understand that water itself probably won’t work.

4. Fight inflammation from within.
You know that your diet effects your skin health. Acne and rosacea is a result of something going on internally, typically candida. Candida loves cheese, wine, chocolate,… anything starchy. It is tough to eat healthy at times, but very important for your overall health.

5. Schedule a “date” with me!
What keeps your skin happy and glowing? A date with me. Holidays are over, spring is almost here. Time to splurge on a little “me” time. The more you can regularly get in a “date” with me, the happier your skin will be!

6. The last but not least- Step up the protection!
Sun protection is very, very important. Rain or shine, sunscreen must be on! We live in the desert by the ocean and sun is very strong and shines almost every day. Be vise and don’t cheat yourself. I have an amazing SPF for all skin types that is zink based, light, effective and it smells delicious.

There you have it. 6 small steps towards major success, and I am excited to be with you the whole way. If any of these sparked your interest, don’t wait..book your appointment with me today.